Ray Thomas, Founding Member of the Moody Blues Dead at 76

Sad news for Moody Blues fans, Ray Thomas, a founding member of the band was found dead at his home in Surrey, England Thursday morning. A cause of death was not released.

Thomas was 76-year-old at the time of his death.

Thomas' label, Esoteric Recordings/Cherry Red Records confirmed the musician's death in a post on Facebook early Sunday morning.

"It is with profound sorrow and sadness that Cherry Red Records and Esoteric Recordings regret to announce that Ray Thomas, founder member, flautist and vocalist of the Moody Blues, passed away suddenly at his home in Surrey on Thursday 4th January 2018," the post read.

Moody Blues bassist John Lodge tweeted his sympathies talking about the journey he had shared with Thomas.

"Ray and I have been on this magical journey through life together since we were 14... two young kids from Birmingham who reached for the stars...and we made it together. El Riot you will always be by my side."

Thomas retired from the band in 2002 after suffering a series of health issues. In 2013, Thomas revealed on his website that he was suffering from prostate cancer that was in his words, "in-operable." The cancer was held in remission through treatments Thomas received.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced in December that the Moody Blues' classic lineup - which included Thomas, Justin Hayward, John Lodge, Mike Pinder and Graeme Edge - would be inducted as part of the 2018 class.

Photo: Getty Images

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